Call for The Journalism Story Grant 2026 is open now!!!
The Earth Journalism Network is offering reporting grants to journalists to support the production of in-depth stories that will call attention to issues related to fisheries transparency. By supporting in-depth reporting, they aim to expose secretive fishing agreements and corruption that threaten marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to drive public accountability and encourage more sustainable, data-driven policies for ocean governance.
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Nearly 90% of global marine fish stocks are fully exploited or overfished—a result of poor management of fish stocks and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This impacts not only ocean biodiversity but also the 600 million people who depend on fisheries for their livelihoods, and the more than 3 billion people for whom seafood is a critical part of food security. However, there remains more to be done. Data on fisheries remains unreliable, often incomplete and out of date, and multilateral agreements and charters have faced implementation challenges, failing to achieve the oversight and reform necessary to ensure ocean health. One way we can achieve greater awareness of the issue, the charter and improved fisheries transparency itself is through quality, often localized, journalism. To fill this gap, EJN is offering five story grants with support from the Oak Foundation to help build the capacity of journalists to report on and improve their coverage of fisheries transparency issues. In addition to funding, selected journalists will receive support from experienced mentors throughout the story production process.
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They welcome story ideas that focus on the following themes, including, but not limited to:
Fisheries management: The impact of companies not reporting catch volumes and lack of government transparency on fishing laws and agreements, subsidies, stock assessments and financial contributions.
Fishing vessel activities at sea: The challenges of monitoring and regulating vessel activities, including trawling, underreporting catches, transshipment, unauthorized fishing in restricted areas, lack of information on vessel ownership and the complex management of multinational fishing fleets.
Supply chains: The challenges of verifying seafood sustainability claims, monitoring the certification landscape and tracking where seafood comes from and how it gets to a consumer’s plate.
Technology solutions for increased transparency: The innovations being made in fields such as generative AI, satellite tracking, DNA testing and more to enable better vessel tracking and species and origin verification.
Policy solutions for increased transparency: Global, regional and national frameworks, such as the Charter and others, and whether they are effective in pushing governments to increase transparency in the fisheries sector.
The selection process evaluates proposals based on their relevance to fisheries transparency and the uniqueness of the angle provided. Priority is given to stories with a wide reach and accessible publishing plans, as well as a strong potential for real-world impact and public debate. Applications that utilize innovative multimedia or data storytelling and provide a firm commitment for timely publication through an editor’s support letter will be highly favored.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- A grant of up to $1,500 USD to cover reporting costs. Financial support for travel, accommodation, and other necessary field expenses.
- The opportunity to have work published and distributed globally through the Earth Journalism Network and its partners. And Professional mentorship from experienced environmental editors throughout the reporting process.
- Coverage of translation costs to reach both local and English-speaking audiences.
- Budget flexibility to include security-related costs for physical, digital, and mental health safety.
- Support for freelance journalists through a stipend covering up to 30% of the total budget.
- Access to EJN’s safety resources and expert guidance on risk management. And Participation in a prestigious global network of environmental and marine journalists.
Eligibilities
- Applicants must be journalists (online, print, television, radio) or expert media practitioners with professional reporting experience. Both early-career and experienced reporters with a track record in ocean-related reporting are welcome to apply.
- Proposed stories must focus exclusively on marine fisheries not freshwater.
- Proposals for cross-border and transboundary stories are highly encouraged.
- Groups of journalists may apply, but a single lead applicant must be designated to manage communication and funds.
- Applications must be submitted in English, and applicants must have a working understanding of English or access to a translator.
- Applicants must be transparent about the use of generative AI tools in their proposals. Submitting AI-generated content as original work is prohibited.
Application Process
- Click the Apply Now button and you’ll be redirected to the login page.
- If you have an existing account, you’ll need to log in. Since they recently updated their website, you might have to reset your password by clicking the “Forgot password?” link in the log in page.
- If you don’t have an account, you must register by clicking “Log in” on the top right of the page and click the “Sign up” link at the bottom of the page that opens. Click here for detailed instructions on how to create an account, and here for detailed instructions on how to reset your password.
- If you start the application and want to come back and complete it later, you can click ‘Save Draft.’ To return to the draft, you’ll need to go back to the opportunity and click ‘Apply now’ again to finalize the application.
- Applications should provide a detailed budget in an Excel spreadsheet with justification for the amount requested. Download the budget template now by clicking on this link.
- All applicants are required to provide a signed letter of support from their editor, explicitly stating that the media outlet will publish the stories produced as a result of this grant.
- Applicants will also need to submit two samples of stories or links to relevant work.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (8 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
